Photo stories: Small Towns, Big Gangs: Small Towns, Big Gangs

Small Towns, Big Gangs

Nicholas Ruelas Martinez, 32, wounded in the December 11 shootout with Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force officers makes his first court December 29, 2011 pleading not guilty to all charges filed against him. Martinez has been formally charged with two counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, both of which have gun and gang enhancements attached. Police have said Ruelas shot at two officers following a traffic stop on East Laurel Drive and North Sanborn Road in Salinas. Officers returned fire, wounding Martinez several times.